After three hours' rest the journey was renewed, and just at nightfall the galley anchored off an islet lying to the north of Carpathos.
While the servants were laying the tables along the poop for the evening meal, Gervaise went down to see that his orders were carried out regarding the food for the slaves.

They were already eating their bread and meat with an air of satisfaction that showed how warmly they appreciated the unusual indulgence, while there were few indeed who did not hold up their drinking horns as a servant passed along between the benches with a skin of wine.

Gervaise spoke to many of them.
"Ah, my lord," one of them said, "if we were always treated like this, slavery would be endurable.

For ten years have I rowed in Christian galleys, but never before has an awning been spread to keep off the sun or the dew.

We shall not forget your kindness, my lord, and will row our hardest right cheerfully when you call upon us for an effort." There was a murmur of assent from the galley slaves around.
"May Allah be merciful to you, as you are merciful to us!" another slave exclaimed.